William "Bill" Neaderhiser
William "Bill" Neaderhiser, 86, Salina, passed away Thur., Nov. 6, 2008, at his home in Salina. Bill was born April 22, 1922, on a farm near Manchester, Kansas, the son of John and Ruth Neaderhiser. He and his five siblings had many delightful memories. After graduation from Bennington High School, he sheared sheep. Then he enlisted in the army. He was wounded at Okinawa during World War II, received the Purple Heart and was honorably discharged.
Upon returning to Kansas, he married Jean Quinn, his high school sweetheart, on March 9, 1946. After working at a supermarket in Salina for a year, he was offered a management position, but decided he couldn't enjoy not being in the sunshine. Thus, he purchased equipment and began building terraces and digging basements, as well as custom combining. At that time they moved near Bennington, so they could raise their family on the farm. After farming for 20 years, they moved into Bennington in 1968. He also was involved with insurance and car sales. He always enjoyed history and antiques.
They opened Memory Lane Antiques in 1972 at the old lumberyard in Bennington. Having a very outgoing, optimistic, cheerful personality, he always enjoyed meeting people. He also loved planting flowers for everyone's enjoyment. They moved to Salina in 2003 and later sold the antique shop. For many years he mowed the Bennington and Niles cemeteries.
As a teenager, he began playing the accordion, selling it when he went into the service. However, he loved to play the piano and he enjoyed playing for many dances and parties throughout his life. In the mid-60's he played the piano for Panjo's Pizza Parlor in Salina.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John and Warren and sister Esther Reed. Survivors include his wife, Jean, of the home; children Stephen and wife Margaret of Smolan, Kansas, Shirley and husband Don Rytych of Geneva, Nebraska; grandchildren Jonathan and Crystal Rytych of Shickley, Nebraska, Stephen and Angela Neaderhiser of Louisville, Kentucky, Tim and Briana Rytych of Omaha, Nebraska, Laura and Nathan Kendrick of Smolan, Kansas, and Jenna and Sam Weaver of Colorado Springs. There are 5 great-grandchildren: Moira and Trevor Kendrick, Michael, Kylee, Logan and Hunter Rytych. He also leaves a brother, Merle (Bess) Neaderhiser, and sisters Zona (Joe) Clennan, Jean Brown, brother-in-law Dr. Art Quinn, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral service, 10 A.M. Mon. at Bennington Bible Church. Burial in Bennington Cemetery. Visitation 2 to 8 P.M. Sun. at Wilson Shields with the family present from 2 to 3 P.M. Memorials to the wishes of the family.